Friday, December 02, 2005

NBC's Couric May Jump to Rival CBSThe buzz is the "Today" star may take over the anchor desk.By Matea GoldTimes Staff Writer

11:47 AM PST, December 1, 2005

NEW YORK -- NBC's "Today" show co-anchor Katie Couric is being actively wooed by CBS to be its next evening news anchor — a move she is seriously considering, according to sources at both networks.

In recent weeks, CBS News President Sean McManus has been doggedly courting Couric to switch networks and assume the anchor seat of the "CBS Evening News," according to three senior editorial employees at CBS and NBC.

While the 48-year-old morning host is contemplating the offer, sources said, it's unclear whether she can formally negotiate a new job until her NBC contract expires in May.

NBC News President Steve Capus said the network hopes to hold on to Couric, who has been the face of the "Today" show for almost 15 years. He called the growing speculation about her next step "premature."

"I don't think she's decided what to do," he said. "We're still sitting here with many months to go before this is going to be in front of us."

"Some day, at some point in the future, she is going to feel that it's time to get off the 'Today' show," Capus added. "I don't know when it's going to be."

No doubt Bob is unhappy about this news. I can only imagine the price tag that they're throwing around for Katie to come read the news for a declining audience. I think it's a great idea by the way, since she probably has more impact on The Today Show than she ever would on CBS Evening News. I wonder if she's considering the move because of the early start to her day at the Today Show? Perhaps, like Brokaw, Katie envies the ability of the homeless to sleep in.